Your doctor has requested an examination of your urinary tract, including your kidneys, ureters (tubes leading from your kidneys to your bladder) and bladder. Richard Sukov, MD, Chief of Gastrointestinal Radiology at Cedars-Sinai, leads a team of physicians, nurses and technologists who specialize in these procedures.

For your exam to be successful, a clean colon (lower intestine) is necessary. You will be instructed to take three tablespoons of Fleets Phospho Soda with two glasses of water at 7 p.m. and to follow a clear liquid diet the evening before your exam.

In preparation for the intravenous contrast injection (dye injected in your vein) used for this procedure, you will be asked not to eat or drink anything from midnight prior to your procedure.

Important note: This exam includes an injection of a contrast material that contains iodine. You must inform the technologist, radiology nurse and/or physician of any allergies you may have before your exam.

We want to make your waiting time as pleasant as possible. Consider bringing your favorite magazine, book or music player to help you pass the time.

The technologist will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have prior to your exam.

You will be asked to change into a gown and to lie on the exam table on your back with your arms at your side.

The technologist will take two X-rays (scout films) prior to your injection. The first X-ray is of your abdomen and pelvis area. The second X-ray is a tomogram that is taken by moving the X-ray tube over your body in a sweeping motion.

Once the scout films have been reviewed by the imaging physician, you will receive an intravenous injection (in your arm) of contrast material that will visualize your kidneys, ureters and bladder. You may experience a warm sensation all over your body and a metal taste in your mouth. This sensation is normal.

If you experience any itching, sneezing, nasal congestion, scratchy throat or swelling you should notify the technologist immediately. Several X-rays and tomograms will be taken with you lying in various positions during your procedure.

The pictures will be reviewed to see if they adequately show the areas under study. If they do not, more pictures will need to be taken. It is possible that this exam may take several hours. This is not because of the equipment or the people performing your exam, but because of the way a human body works.

When the exam is near completion, the technologist will ask you to go to the bathroom to empty your bladder prior to taking the last X-ray.

This procedure takes approximately 45 minutes, if no extra pictures need to be taken.

The technologist will instruct you to drink plenty of water during the remainder of the day to flush your kidneys.

Your study will be read by the imaging physician and results sent to your physician, usually within 48 hours. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.

To request copies of your pictures on a PC-compatible CD, call (310) 423-8000. To request a copy of your report, call (310) 423-8000.

S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center parking is located in Lot P7 at the corner of San Vicente Boulevard and Gracie Allen Drive. Enter off Sherbourne Drive.

Parking is partially validated and validation is available in the S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center lobby.

There is a large metal sculpture in the shape of the number "8" in front of the center.

You may also park in the Medical Center North Tower off George Burns Road.

There is a curbside patient drop-off zone on Gracie Allen Drive.